Forum theatre helps defence force families

The University of Southern Queensland (USQ) is responding to the needs of local defence force families through an innovative partnership with the Defence Community Organisation (DCO), Darling Downs region.

Recognising the need for more support for defence families in the area, the DCO contacted the USQ Arts Theatre for assistance.

'They approached me about putting together a piece of theatre for service families to help them with the constant absences of family members,' Robert Ketton, USQ Senior Lecturer (Acting) said.

'I agreed to help out and we put together ‘A guest in your own house', which is an interactive piece of forum theatre.

'It demonstrates strategies to minimise disruption when balancing service demands with family life.'

After writing and rehearsing the performance, which featured USQ acting and drama students, the piece was presented to defence force families who reacted enthusiastically.

'Around 120 people, all of whom are based on the Darling Downs attended on the night and what we did really hit home with some of them,' Mr Ketton said.

Topics covered in the forum theatre included the lack of a male influence in the household, the reintegration of family members and the displacement that is often felt by returning service people.

So successful was the night that there has already been talk of expanding the concept.

'At a meeting between myself and some members of the DCO we decided to refine the forum theatre and target communities within the defence force,' Mr Ketton said.

'These communities include teenagers, parents of young children, single parent families and couples with children.

'We want to tailor presentations for these specific groups.'

The presentations are expected to be developed over the next 12 months, with both USQ and the DCO hopeful of supplying a model that can assist defence force families all around Australia.

Media Contact:  Josh Ada, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 1628, 0403 643 192